Emergent Environments and Technologies OLTD509
Emergent and evolving learner environments and technologies will be examined. Frameworks for assessing, selection, and deployment will be developed. Educational application of tools (e.g. QR codes, Smart-objects, thin film displays) along with environments (e.g. augmented reality (AR), Second Life) will be investigated to enhance student engagement.
Reflections on Learning
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First Reflection
This reflection is based on a blog article, Thoughts on Synchronous Learning: Is There a Future? In this article I question the concept of using technology to augment continued use of lecture based teaching and the structure of content expert instructors that often have very training in educating, or even interest in devoting time and energy to be more engaging, vital, accomplished teachers or facilitators of learning.
This reflection is based on a blog article, Thoughts on Synchronous Learning: Is There a Future? In this article I question the concept of using technology to augment continued use of lecture based teaching and the structure of content expert instructors that often have very training in educating, or even interest in devoting time and energy to be more engaging, vital, accomplished teachers or facilitators of learning.
The learning outcomes I feel this article and associated learning addressed are:
If we support technologies that continue the use of a primarily lecture based system, the quality of that system will continue to deteriorate. If we continue to support instructors to simply be content experts instead of expert facilitators of learning, the system will fail even faster. If the system supports instructors who's priorities are research and not teaching, nothing will change.
We can use emerging technologies to patch and bandaid what isn't working or we can use it to support a growing, better educated, equitable, responsible, group of people across the globe.
- Research and identify emerging technologies with educational applications not yet adopted by mainstream education or in early adoption phases.
- Examine current research around technology adoption, best practices for change management and technology integration.
- Consider potential design/implementation opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies.
- Discuss potential digital citizenship and appropriate use issues
If we support technologies that continue the use of a primarily lecture based system, the quality of that system will continue to deteriorate. If we continue to support instructors to simply be content experts instead of expert facilitators of learning, the system will fail even faster. If the system supports instructors who's priorities are research and not teaching, nothing will change.
We can use emerging technologies to patch and bandaid what isn't working or we can use it to support a growing, better educated, equitable, responsible, group of people across the globe.
Second Reflection
This reflection is based on the use and investigation of the gamification platform used in this course, 3D Gamelab by Rezzly. This platform uses a series of quests, some mandatory and many optional in conjunction with a scoring system based on time to allow students to navigate the course and have a structure for the resulting mark they will achieve.
This reflection is based on the use and investigation of the gamification platform used in this course, 3D Gamelab by Rezzly. This platform uses a series of quests, some mandatory and many optional in conjunction with a scoring system based on time to allow students to navigate the course and have a structure for the resulting mark they will achieve.
The learning outcome addressed are:
I believe this type of platform has significant advantages to support students at all age and abilities levels IF developed properly and responsibly. If this type of platform is not developed in a detailed, proactive, transparent, values based manner, I believe it will simply highlight and exacerbate poor education strategies.
- Research and identify emerging technologies with educational applications not yet adopted by mainstream education or in early adoption phases.
- Examine current research around technology adoption, best practices for change management and technology integration.
- Adapt or develop a framework for assessing emerging technologies.
- Consider potential design/implementation opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies.
I believe this type of platform has significant advantages to support students at all age and abilities levels IF developed properly and responsibly. If this type of platform is not developed in a detailed, proactive, transparent, values based manner, I believe it will simply highlight and exacerbate poor education strategies.